I particularly like the book I did a while ago in which the text block is mounted to the casing with yellow ribbons. I also think that it's about time to start writing about some techniques I developed.

1. Pulling it tight. This is the first 2 signatures stitched, and I am pulling the thread outwards. To keep the signatures and stiching as tight as possible, pull the threads parallel to stictching direction as often as you can, especially because knotting.

2. Weighing on the signatures. To keep the signatures from fanning up to interfere with your stitching, use weights on the stack. Here I am once again pulling the thread parallel to the stitching direction.

3. Estimating the spine. To measure the thickness of the spine, use a small sheet of paper to measure the thickness of the text block; then transfer the width from the the paper to book board using a pair of spring divders.

4. Aligning with sqaure. Use an "L-shaped" steel sqaure to help aligning the book boards when pasting them onto the cover paper. They are usually heavy and thick so they also help to weight the paper down. The measurements on the square also help you to judge the width of the gutter.


5. Microspatula. Use a microspatula to push the ribbons through the slits on the casing. And of course, it can be use to push anything through slits.